Apparatus and method for collection of debris

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is an apparatus, typically used in collecting debris, that includes a collection volume with an intake opening and an exhaust opening and a shroud that surrounds the exhaust opening. Also disclosed is a method for collecting debris.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/387,010, filed on Mar. 11, 2003.

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates to an apparatus and method for vacuum collection of debris, such as leaves. In particular, this invention relates to a collector, and a method of collection, which maintains cleanliness in the area surrounding the device by controlling the discharge of fine particulate exhaust.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Heretofore, vacuum leaf collection equipment has been manufactured and known in the art. Traditional designs of vacuum leaf collectors/loaders employ a large-diameter impeller, driven from a large gas or diesel engine. The impeller pulls a large volume of air through a vacuum hose or other attachment used to collect leaves. The leaves that travel through the impeller are reduced in size and broken apart, many pulverized into very small particles. Leaves are exhausted from the leaf collector into a leaf collector box.

[0004] Collector boxes have been designed with enclosed sides and a screened roof. The screened roof retains the leaves within the collector box, but lets air escape through the screening. Due to the large volume of exhausting air, fine leaf particles are also entrained in the air and pass through the screening. These particles go into the atmosphere above the leaf collector box, creating clouds of dust and particles that fall on operators, equipment, and parked cars. Depending on wind conditions, the dust may be carried to surrounding houses and other property in the area. The resulting operation is very dirty, especially if the leaves are dry and brittle. Operators sometimes will wear dust masks, hoods, and eye protection against the dust. None of the related devices have adequately addressed this problem. No invention to date has solved the problem of dirty exhaust from leaf collectors.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] According to the present invention, the foregoing and other objects and advantages are attained. The present invention relates to a vacuum apparatus and method for collecting debris, such as leaves, litter, grass clippings, and other types of yard waste, in a way that minimizes exhaust of fine particulate debris and leaf matter, maintains cleanliness of the area in the vicinity of the operating equipment, and improves the cleanliness condition for the workers who operate the equipment.

[0006] A first general aspect of the invention provides an apparatus for collection of debris comprising a collector volume having an intake opening and an exhaust opening; and a shroud operatively attached to said exhaust opening.

[0007] These and other aspects, advantages and salient features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, which, when taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, where like parts are designated by like reference characters throughout the drawings, disclose embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Embodiments of this invention will be described in detail, with reference to the following figures, wherein like designations denote like members and wherein:

[0009]FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of a vacuum leaf collection apparatus in accordance with the present invention;

[0010]FIG. 2 illustrates a top sectional view of an embodiment of the collector in accordance with the present invention;

[0011]FIG. 3 illustrates a top sectional view at floor level of the collector in accordance with the present invention;

[0012]FIG. 4 illustrates a side sectional view of the collector showing the screened wall and support members within a collector in accordance with the present invention;

[0013]FIG. 5 illustrates a side view an alternate embodiment of a vacuum leaf collection apparatus including mounting of a dust collection bag system in the exhaust air discharge path beneath the collector in accordance with the present invention;

[0014]FIG. 6 illustrates the mounting of a fluid tank, pump, piping, and spray inlets for injection of a fluid into the discharge of a vacuum device for a leaf collection apparatus in accordance with the present invention;

[0015]FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a leaf collection apparatus, in accordance with the present invention;

[0016]FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 in accordance with the present invention;

[0017]FIG. 9 illustrates an end sectional view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 in accordance with the present invention;

[0018]FIG. 10 illustrates a top sectional view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 in accordance with the present invention;

[0019]FIG. 11 illustrates sectional view taken along lines 11-11 shown in FIG. 10 in accordance with the present invention; and

[0020]FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment similar to the embodiment in FIG. 7 fit within a dump truck dump body.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Although certain embodiments of the present invention will be shown and described in detail, it should be understood that various changes and modification may be made without departing from the scope of the claims. The scope of the present invention will in no way be limited to the number of consulting components, the material thereof, the shapes thereof, the relative arrangement thereof, etc., and are disclosed simply as an example of an embodiment. Although the drawings are intended to illustrate the present invention, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0022] Referring to FIG. 1, a leaf collection apparatus, hereinafter referred to as 10 is shown, which may include a vacuum device 15, a discharge device 20, and a collector 55. The vacuum device 15 may be an apparatus such as fan, vacuum pump, or large diameter impeller. The vacuum device 15, the discharge device 20, and the collector 55 may be mounted on a trailer, such as trailer 45. The apparatus 10 may also be mounted on a cab and chassis (not shown). Several alternative embodiments may exist whereby the collector 55 may be permanently mounted on its own trailer 45 or may be chassis mounted (not shown).

[0023] The vacuum device 15 may include a large diameter impeller 35 contained within an impeller housing 40. Rotation of the impeller 35 establishes suction on the intake side of the impeller housing 40. A suction hose 30 or similar conduit directs debris, such as leaves, collected off the ground by a suction head 25 to the impeller 35. Any suitable type of drive device, such as a gasoline or diesel engine (not shown), may be coupled to and power the impeller 35. Debris and leaves are sucked off the ground into an airstream 17 created by the vacuum device 15. The airstream 17 within the various figures will be represented by double arrows. The debris and leaves within the airstream 17 passing through the impeller housing 40 may be chopped up by action of the impeller 35 thereby creating, in part, small particles of debris, leaf sections and fine particulate of leaf dust. Whole leaves, leaf sections, and leaf dust are discharged from the impeller housing 40 and carried within the airstream 17 through the discharge device 20 comprising many possible chute or tube arrangements to convey the leaves to the collector 55. One embodiment utilizes a path from the impeller housing 40 through a discharge chute 50, which is flexible and extended, directly discharging into the collector 55. A rubber boot-type sealing device 70 or other similar seal prevents leakage of fine leaf particulate to the ambient air outside, at the juncture of the impeller housing 40 and the discharge chute 50.

[0024] Referring again to FIG. 1, an embodiment of the collector 55 is a rectangular box of steel construction with substantially solid walls. The collector has sides, a top, and a bottom. The sides are defined by both a front and rear, and the two sidewalls. The forward wall 75, or front, of collector 55, closest to the vacuum device 15, is penetrated by the discharge chute 50 to accept leaf discharge. The top surface, or top, of the collector 55 is a solid roof 80 that prevents exhaust of fine leaf particulate to the outside atmosphere above collector 55. The rear surface, or rear, of the collector 55 is of substantially solid construction, consisting of a hinged rear door 85 pivoting on hinges 90. Sidewalls 95 and a floor 100, or bottom, are also of substantially solid construction. Wall support members 105 may be provided to provide structural strength to the forward wall 75, the hinged rear door 85, the sidewalls 95, and the solid roof 80 to contain the debris load or the air pressure that builds up within collector 55. Floor support members 107 provide support from below for the floor 100 and the overall weight of the collector 55. The collector 55 may be disposed on the trailer 45 with a dumping mechanism, such as a hydraulic lift, (not shown) that raises and lowers the forward end of collector 55 such that the leaf contents empty, by gravity, through hinged rear door 85.

[0025] Referring to FIG. 2, which shows a top sectional view of the collector 55, one alternative embodiment may include a receiving chute 50. The receiving chute 50 is mounted to the collector 55 such that the exhaust end of the receiver chute 50 penetrates the collector 55. Again referring to FIG. 2, the internal volume of the collector 55 is divided into a first volume 60 and a second volume 65 by screened walls 115. The screened walls 115 may comprise various configurations internal to collector 55. In one embodiment, the screened walls 115 may extend the length of the collector 55 from the forward wall 75 to the hinged rear door 85. Vertically, the screened walls 115 may extend from the floor 100 to the solid roof 80. One screened wall 115 may be located inboard of and parallel to each sidewall 95, separated from the sidewall 95 by the wall support members 105. The first volume 60 is the main space of collector 55, bounded by the solid roof 80, the floor 100, the forward wall 75, the hinged rear door 85 and the screened walls 115. The second volume 65 of the collector 55 includes all of the individual spaces between the screened walls 115 and sidewalls 95 and bounded by the solid roof 80 above, the floor 100 below, and separated from each other by the wall support members 105.

[0026] Referring to FIG. 3, the floor 100 forms the bottom surface of collector 55 between the screened walls 115, the forward wall 75, and the rear hinged door 85. The floor openings 110 provide a path to exhaust the filtered airstream 17 from the second volume 65 of the collector 55.

[0027] Referring to FIG. 4, the screened walls 115 may include a lower wall section 120 of substantially solid material construction, such as steel, and an upper wall section 125 that includes a screen mesh 130. The lower wall section 120 includes approximately one-third of the height of the collector 55 and the upper wall section 125 includes the remaining approximately two-thirds of the height. The screen mesh 130 of upper wall section 125 has openings in the mesh sized to retain large leaf sections within the first volume 60 of the collector 55, but to allow fine leaf particulate and leaf dust in the airstream 17 to pass through to the second volume 65 without clogging. The lower wall section 120 provides structural strength to the screened wall 115 in order to support the leaves that accumulate in the first volume 60 and also to hold any force that builds up as a result of pressure drop across the screened walls 115. Wall support members 105 provide backing support for the screen mesh 130. Depending on the specific opening size of the screen mesh 130, additional support to the screen mesh 130 may be provided by screen support members 133 operatively attached between wall support members 105.

[0028] Debris and leaves carried within the airstream 17 exiting from vacuum device 15 pass through discharge device 20 into collector 55. The larger and heavier pieces of debris and leaves drop to the floor 100 of collector 55 by gravity directly or after colliding with the forward wall 75, solid roof 80, hinged rear door 85, or the screened walls 115 of the collector 55, losing energy in the collision and then falling to the floor 100. The screened walls 115 act as a filter, retaining the larger pieces of debris and leaves exhausted from discharge device 20 into collector 55 within the first volume 60, but permitting some fine debris, fine leaf particulate, and dust within the airstream to pass through to the second volume 65, along with the airstream 17. After the airstream 17 passes through the screen mesh 130 of upper wall section 125 , the airstream hits the sidewalls 95 and is forced down to a plurality of floor cutouts 110 in the floor 100 of collector 55. Fine debris, fine leaf particulate and dust that passes through the floor cutouts 110 exhausts downward below the collector 55. An alternative arrangement may permit the airstream 17 exhaust from the collector 55 through various openings (not shown) on the sidewalls 95 of the collector 55 or in other portions of the sides of the collector 15.

[0029] The floor 100 of the collector 55 is substantially solid with structural support provided by a plurality of floor supports members 107 located below. Exhaust paths for leaf particulate and airstream 17 from the second volume 65 are provided through floor cutouts 110 of the floor surface between screened walls 115 and sidewalls 95 and between adjacent floor support members 107. The airstream 17 entraining fine leaf particulate, exhausting through floor cutouts 110, is directed downward to the ground directly beneath the collector 55. Leaf particulate falls towards the ground and thus will tend to collect at the ground location, or immediate vicinity, where it hits or falls rather than rising and going in the atmosphere. Because the leaf particulate is not exhausted through the solid roof 80 to the airspace well above the ground, drift of the leaf particulate is minimized and the amount of dust falling on surrounding areas is limited. Exhaust of the airstream from beneath the collector 55 will also be below the head and face of the operators. Exhaust at a lower height and less drift of particulate also provides a cleaner work environment for the operators and lessens the need for hoods and other protective equipment. The settling of leaf particulate in a relatively limited area under and around the leaf collector apparatus 10 makes it easier for the operators of the equipment to clean the area after leaf collection is complete.

[0030] An alternate embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIG. 5 may further include one or more particulate collection devices mounted beneath the collector 55. The airstream 17 entraining leaf particulate from second volume 65 of collector 55 is exhausted in a downward direction through floor cutouts 115. The exhaust air hits the particulate collection devices and the entrained leaf particulate will tend to fall out. The airstream 17 is exhausted from openings in the particulate collection device 134 to the ground below. The particulate collection devices may be removably attached to the collector 55 with bolting, screwing, hanging on hooks and other suitable means to permit removal for emptying or maintenance, and subsequent restoration or replacement. In one embodiment, the particulate collection devices may be dust bags 135. The airstream 17 passes out of the collection device 134 to the ground below where leaf particulate will further tend to drop out. The collection devices enhance cleanliness by: 1) reducing the leaf particulate drifting surrounding the leaf collecting apparatus, 2) reducing the dust reaching the operators, and 3) minimizing the need for cleanup after leaf collection.

[0031] With a traditional design, (i.e., an impeller driven from engine exhausting large volumes of air) dry leaves create much more dust than do leaves that are wet from rain. However, wet leaves are heavier than dry leaves. Wet leaves are more difficult to vacuum off the ground and put more load on the impeller 35 and the engine (not shown) due to their greater weight. Wet leaves will also stick to the impeller 35 and the inside of the impeller housing 40. Collection of wet leaves improves the environmental conditions surrounding the leaf loader, but can slow down the collection process. Injecting a fluid into the discharge air and coating the leaves and debris with fluid after they have passed through the impeller 35 results in dust control without loading the impeller 35 and engine (not shown) with the extra weight of wet leaves and without fouling the suction hose 30.

[0032] Referring to FIG. 6, a further embodiment of the invention may additionally mount a fluid injection apparatus 200 on the leaf collection apparatus 10. The fluid injection apparatus 200 includes a tank of fluid 220, a fluid pump 225, a hose 230, and at least one inlet 240. In one embodiment, a plurality of inlets 240 may be operatively attached to the discharge chute 50 with a symmetrical arrangement with respect to the airstream 17 between the impeller housing 40 and the collector 55. The inlets 240 may be comprised of nozzles, injectors, orifices, or other devices capable of injecting the fluid in the form of a spray that can evenly wet the fine particulate matter entrained in the airstream 17. The symmetrical arrangement of the inlets 240 around the airstream 17 of discharge device 20 provides for uniform wetting of the fine particulate matter in the airstream 17 .

[0033] The fluid spray from the inlets 240 may be applied to the leaves as they pass through the discharge device 20. The fluid-coated leaf particles become heavy and tend to drop out more effectively in collector 55. Any fluid that is sprayable, that will coat the fine debris particulate, and that is environmentally benign may be employed. In one embodiment, inlets 240 are mounted on the discharge chute 50. The discharge chute 50 is a relatively short, straight, and wide duct, through which the airstream 17 discharged by impeller housing 40 passes quickly. Time for dropout of the leaf particles in the discharge chute 50 is limited and fouling of the discharge chute 50 internal surface is minimized. In a further embodiment, it will also be possible to provide the inlets 240 for fluid spray within the collector 55. The hose 230 conducts the fluid from the tank of fluid 210 to the fluid pump 220 and from fluid pump 220 to inlets 240. Fluid spray is initiated during vacuuming operation and secured when the vacuuming is stopped. The invention may use water as an economical, effective, and environmentally benign fluid for the fluid injection apparatus 200.

[0034] The fluid spray may also be used on leaf collection machines that are exhausting leaves into traditional leaf collection boxes with screened roofs. The fluid injection apparatus 200, used with the traditional collector, will also improve the working environment around the collector.

[0035] An embodiment incorporating features that expand upon the aforementioned invention is shown at FIG. 7. An apparatus, denoted as 300, includes a collector volume 310. The collector volume 310 includes a plurality (e.g., four) of sides 311, a top 312, and a bottom 313 (FIG. 8). Located on the collector volume is an intake opening 320 and an exhaust opening 330. Located around, or over, the exhaust opening 330 is a shroud 340. The shroud 340 surrounds either the entire, or alternatively at least part of the, exhaust opening 330. Although four sides 311 are shown in the embodiment in FIG. 7, it should be apparent that other embodiments may have a different number of sides 311, or ends. Further, the collector volume 310 can take on different geometries. Also, the although the intake opening 320 and exhaust opening 330 are shown on different, yet adjacent, sides 311 of the collector volume 310 in FIG. 7, similarly, both the intake opening 320 and exhaust opening 330 may be located on any side 311, the same side 311, or the top 312 or bottom 313 of the collector volume 310.

[0036] In some embodiments, the shroud 340 may include shroud sides 341. Further, extending from below the exhaust opening 330 is a deflecting or shielding surface 342. The embodiment in FIG. 7 also has a side 311 which is essentially a removable, or hinged, tailgate 314. The tailgate 314 is rotatably attached to the collector volume 310 via a pair of hinges 315. Extending from either side of the tailgate 314 is a pair of tailgate pins 316 whose purpose will be discussed below.

[0037] As depicted in FIG. 12, the apparatus 300 can be shaped and configured so that it fits in the dump body of a dump truck 500. The tailgate pains 316 of the apparatus 300 engage and communicate with the dump box release mechanisms 530. A driver in the dumptruck 500 is able to release the hinged tailgate 314 of the apparatus 300 by activating the dump box release mechanisms 530. Thus, by having the hinged tailgate 314, the driver, or operator, can empty the contents (i.e., debris) of the collector volume 310, by releasing the dump box release mechanisms 530 and raising the dump box on the dump truck 500. Depending on the configuration of the embodiment, the driver may release the hinged tailgate 314 by activating the dump box release mechanisms 530 from within the cab of the dump truck 500, or the driver may release the hinged tailgate 314 immediately adjacent to, or in the vicinity of, the hinged tailgate 314.

[0038] As shown in the side view in FIG. 8, the exhaust opening 330 may have a screen device 331, or filter device, to aid in the filtering of debris 400 (FIG. 9). By adding screen device 331, the amount of solid debris 400 that leaves the collector volume 310 along with the exhausting air is lessened or minimized. As shown in FIG. 9 in the rear sectional view of an embodiment of the present invention, the shroud 340 acts as a hood over the exhaust opening 330. The shroud 340 may have shroud sides 341 and a deflecting surface 342. The exhausting air is denoted by directional arrow B. Thus, the exhausting air B egresses the collector volume 310 between the shroud 340 and the deflecting surface 342.

[0039] A top sectional view of an embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 10. Debris and air enter the collector volume 310 via the intake opening 320. The flow of the air and debris entering the collector volume 310 is denoted by directional arrow A. When the apparatus 300 is configured to fit within the dump truck 500 dump body, as in FIG. 12, the interface of the shroud 340 and the dump body side 510 is shown in section in FIG. 11. The bottom of the collector volume 313 rests upon a dump body bottom 520. The side 311 of the collector volume 310 is adjacent to a side 510 of the dump body. Further, the deflecting surface 342 is located between the fluid flow B and the dump body side 510. In some embodiments, the deflecting surface 342 is made of a flexible material (e.g., rubber, canvas, composite material, etc.) so that it can flex and mold to the shape and configuration of various dump body sides 510. The deflecting surface 342 helps prevent any exiting debris and air B from contacting the dump body side 510. Further, the shape of the deflecting surface 342, when coupled with the shapes of the shroud 340 and shroud sides 341 can help improve the fluid flow of the exiting air and debris B (e.g., reduce turbulence, create laminar flow, etc.).

[0040] The apparatus 300 may be hooked up to various vacuum devices such as the devices described above, or other devices known in the art. Further, collection devices (not shown) can be attached to, or placed near the shroud 340 so that any remaining particulate matter that exits the collector volume 310 and passes the screening 331 can fall into the collection devices after passing by the shroud 340. The collection devices may be removable from the apparatus 300. For example, the collection devices can be removable bags made of suitable material.

[0041] It should be apparent to one skilled in the art, that other variations of the apparatus 300 are possible. For example, there can be a plurality of exhaust openings 330; just as there could conceivably be a plurality of intake openings 320. Further, the exhaust opening(s) 330 and intake opening(s) 320 can be located on any side 311, including the hinged tailgate 314, as well as the top 312.

[0042] Various modifications and variations of the described apparatus and methods of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific embodiments, outlined above, it should be understood that the invention should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims. 

I claim:
 1. An apparatus for collection of debris comprising: a collector volume having an intake opening and an exhaust opening; and a shroud operatively attached to said exhaust opening.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said collector volume is a substantially enclosed hollow volume.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one portion of said collector volume is removably attached.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said exhaust opening includes a filter device.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said filter device includes a screen.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said collector volume is adapted to fit within a dump truck dump body.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein a removable portion of said collector volume is configured to communicate with a tailgate release mechanism.
 8. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein said tailgate release mechanism is operable from a cab of the dump truck cab.
 9. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein said tailgate release mechanism is operable at the removable portion.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said shroud is configured to allow a flow of fluid and particles exiting said exhaust opening to pass between said shroud and a deflecting surface.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10, further wherein said deflecting surface is a side of a dump truck dump body.
 12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said deflecting surface is made of a flexible material.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein said flexible deflecting surface is positioned between said shroud and a side of a dump truck dump body.
 14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said intake opening is on one of a side and a top of the collector volume.
 15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said exhaust opening is on one of a side and a top of the collector volume.
 16. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said removable portion of said collector is hinged.
 17. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein said removable portion of said collector is hinged.
 18. A method for collection of debris comprising: providing a collector volume having an intake opening and an exhaust opening; operatively attaching a shroud to said exhaust opening; intaking debris and a fluid in said collector volume through said intake opening; and exhausting said fluid from said exhaust opening. 